What was Shays' Rebellion?

Shays' Rebellion was indeed an armed uprising in 1786-1787 by Massachusetts farmers who were protesting high taxes and economic injustices. This uprising was primarily a response to the severe economic conditions following the American Revolutionary War, where many farmers faced crippling debt and high tax burdens imposed by both state and local governments. The rebellion was led by Daniel Shays and aimed to disrupt the economic system that these farmers felt was punishing them unfairly.

The uprising highlighted the weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation, as the federal government lacked the power to help states quell such rebellions or provide assistance to struggling economies. Shays' Rebellion served as a catalyst for the movement toward a stronger federal government, ultimately leading to the Constitutional Convention of 1787. This event underscores the discontent that existed among rural populations in the aftermath of independence and prompted discussions about the need for reforms in governance and economic policy.